Windies Announce ODI Squad Against England as Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels Return to Fold
Dec 31, 2018 at 1:59 PM
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection committee on Monday announced a 15-man One-day International squad of Windies team for the ongoing England’s tour
Interestingly, the members of the Board roped in two senior campaigners in the squad which includes swashbuckling opening batsman Chris Gayle and batting all-rounder Marlon Samuels in the fifty-over competition.
The Chairman of Selection Panel of CWI Board Courtney Browne has welcomed the senior players while believing they could play a significant part in the lineup in the British Isles.
“With regards to the selection of the ODI squad, the panel welcomes back Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, who will both add value to our batting and help with the nurturing of the young batsmen in the team,” Browne said in Board’s release.
The Kingston-born 37-year-old Gayle, who has last played his ODI game in 2015 against New Zealand in May 2015, has returned to the fold after three years following the mutual understanding with Board.
On the other side, Jamaica-born 36-year-old Samuels will return to the side after two years, as he previously faced Pakistan at their adopted home in the United Emirates (UAE) in October 2016.
Both the senior campaigners have earned the places after meeting the standard requirements of the Cricket West Indies, in a bid to feature in the national side.
“Both Sunil Narine and Darren Bravo have declined to be considered for ODIs in England. Narine has however confirmed his desire to play 50-over cricket again but has asked to play in our Regional Super50 before he is considered and Darren said he was not available for selection,” Browne added.
Moreover, after it was made obligatory for a player to be the part of the international side, as they were further bound to feature in the domestic circuit.
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However, the leeway was given to the players owing to the selection criteria, as the relaxation was put in place since July which was a breather for the senior players.
Browne in his statement mentioned the 33-year-old Trinidad-born all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is still recovering from the injury and has further aimed to return to the Caribbean side in 2018.
“Dwayne Bravo said he is still not 100% fit, but is looking at a possible return to international cricket next year,” Browne concluded.
The side is led by Jason Holder as Jason Mohammed will be his deputy, as the visitors will face Ireland on September 13 at Stormont in Belfast.
However, the five-match ODI series will be beginning from September 19 at Old Trafford. The final match of the 50-over format will be held at Ageas Bowl on September 29.
Here’s the list of 15-member Squad: Jason Holder (capt), Jason Mohammed (VC), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Miguel Cummins, Chris Gayle, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope (WK), Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor and Kesrick Williams.